SOUTH COUNTY : Ho-Ho-Whole Lot of Holiday Activities

Hanukkah celebrations and Christmas events will highlight activities in many communities this weekend.

In Mission Viejo, a candle will be lit each night through Dec. 16 at the Hanukkah “Miracle of Lights” display. The menorah is part of a holiday scene that decorates the corner of La Paz Road and Chrisanta Drive.

A menorah lighting will also take place at the Laguna Hills Mall on Sunday at noon. The event is sponsored by the Chabad of Laguna Beach.

In Mission Viejo, children can have breakfast with Santa Claus at the Norman P. Murray Community Center, 24932 Oso Viejo Road on Saturday. From 8 to 10 a.m., pancakes, juice and sausage will served for $2.50 for kids under 12 and $5 for anyone older.

The first Winter Music and Art Festival for Children will be held at the Norman P. Murray Community Center, 24932 Oso Viejo Road, in Mission Viejo on Sunday. Many arts and crafts activities, along with music, dance and theater performances intended for children, will take place between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Admission is $5 for kids, free for adults.

Local churches and schools will perform holiday music at the Market at the Lake Center near Marguerite and Olympic parkways in Mission Viejo on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Magic shows, train rides and photos with Santa Claus will be featured. The Santa photos will cost $5, with proceeds to benefit Children’s Hospital.

There will be a candlelight walking tour on Saturday of the Heritage Hill Park in Lake Forest, a small park holding several historic buildings at 25151 Serrano Road. The tours will run from 6 to 9 p.m. and cost $3.

For shoppers in Lake Forest who dread the thought of battling traffic congestion on El Toro Road, a free city-sponsored shuttle will run through Dec. 30. The shuttle stops at many shopping centers and runs from the morning through late evening. For more information, call City Hall at (714) 707-5583.

The 19th annual Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade will conclude Saturday, with decorated boats cruising around the harbor at 7:30 p.m. An awards ceremony will be at 9:30 p.m.

Earlier in the day, children can take a boat ride with Santa in a decorated fishing vessel. The Santa cruises will run between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. from the Dana Wharf Sportfishing shop.

Kids in Capistrano Beach can also take a hay ride with Santa at an arts and crafts fair in Pines Park from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The park is on Camino Capistrano near Camino de Estrella.

Santa Claus will work overtime in Aliso Viejo on Sunday, fielding gift requests from children. He will be at the community Christmas display in Glenbrook Park from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The park is on Cedarbrook between Glenwood and Laguna Hills drives.

Hayrides for 50 cents per rider will be available in Rancho Santa Margarita on Saturday. The horse-drawn wagons will start at Trabuco Mesa Park at Antonio Parkway and Avenida de las Flores between 6 and 8 p.m.

Hot drinks will be sold, and riders can sing Christmas carols during the trip. Carolers are asked to bring a flashlight.